If you’ve ever sat through a grade-school geography quiz, you probably know that Frankfort is the answer. It’s the capital of Kentucky. But honestly, most people couldn't find it on a map without a little help from Google. While Louisville gets the Kentucky Derby and Lexington gets the thoroughbred fame, Frankfort sits quietly in the middle, tucked into a deep "S" curve of the Kentucky River.
It’s small. Like, really small for a capital. With a population hovering around 28,000, it feels more like a cozy river town than a political powerhouse. But the story of how this tiny spot became the seat of government for the Bluegrass State is actually full of bribes, assassinations, and a weirdly persistent rivalry with the state's bigger cities.
What is the Capital of Kentucky? Why Frankfort Won the "War"
Back in 1792, when Kentucky finally split off from Virginia to become the 15th state, everyone wanted a piece of the action. Lexington and Louisville were already the big kids on the block. They assumed the capital would naturally land in their laps.
Instead, five commissioners were tasked with picking the "most suitable" site. They basically held a bidding war. Frankfort’s founder, Andrew Holmes, wasn't about to lose. He didn't just offer land; he threw in $3,000 in gold, 1,500 pounds of nails, 10 boxes of glass, and £50 worth of locks and hinges.
Basically, Frankfort bought the title.
And for over a hundred years, Louisville and Lexington didn't let it go. They spent the entire 19th century trying to steal the capital status back. Every time the capitol building caught fire—which happened a lot—the bigger cities would swoop in and say, "Hey, don't rebuild in that little river town! Come to us!" It wasn't until 1904 that the state legislature finally put their foot down, voted for a massive $1 million budget for a new building, and ended the debate for good.
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The Only Assassinated Governor in U.S. History
Frankfort isn't just a place for boring paperwork. It’s the site of some seriously dark history. On January 30, 1900, a guy named William Goebel was walking toward the Old State Capitol. He was in the middle of a viciously contested election for governor. Suddenly, a shot rang out from a nearby building.
Goebel was hit.
In a move that sounds like a plot from a Netflix drama, he was actually sworn in as Governor while lying on his deathbed the next day. He died three days later. To this day, he remains the only U.S. governor to be assassinated while in office. You can still see a statue of him at the Old Capitol, marking the spot where it all went down.
Architecture That Actually Looks Like Greece
If you visit the Old State Capitol today, you'll notice it looks like something straight out of ancient Athens. That was intentional. A 25-year-old architect named Gideon Shryock won a contest in 1827 to design it. He used the "Greek Revival" style to link the young Kentucky government to the ideals of ancient democracy.
The coolest part? The stone staircase.
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It’s a self-supporting double circular stairway. No visible pillars. Just pure engineering magic that still stands today. It was so impressive that when Confederate troops captured Frankfort in 1862—making it the only Union state capital to fall to the South during the Civil War—they didn't burn the building down. They just used it as a barracks for a month until they were forced out.
Exploring the "New" Capitol and the Floral Clock
The current Capitol building, finished in 1910, is a whole different beast. It’s massive. It’s covered in white Georgia marble and gray Tennessee marble. It feels like someone took a slice of Washington D.C. and dropped it into a valley in Kentucky.
Outside, you’ll find one of Frankfort’s most famous (and slightly kitschy) landmarks: the Floral Clock. It’s a 34-foot-wide clock face made entirely of thousands of plants and flowers.
- Fun Fact: People used to throw pennies into the water pool beneath the clock for good luck.
- The Legend: Some locals say the money collected goes to scholarships, while others claim it just funds the clock’s maintenance.
- The View: If you want the best photo, head over to the Frankfort Cemetery nearby.
Speaking of the cemetery, that’s where Daniel Boone is buried. Well, maybe. There’s actually a long-standing dispute with Missouri over whether the bones in the Frankfort grave are actually the famous frontiersman or if they accidentally moved the wrong body back in 1845. Either way, the view from his grave site overlooking the river and the Capitol dome is arguably the best in the city.
Bourbon and Candy: The Frankfort "Must-Dos"
You can't talk about what is the capital of Kentucky without mentioning the bourbon. Frankfort is home to Buffalo Trace, which is arguably the most famous distillery in the world (they make Pappy Van Winkle there, though good luck finding a bottle).
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But the real hidden gem is Rebecca Ruth Chocolates.
Back in 1919, two female substitute teachers started a candy business. That was pretty much unheard of at the time. In the 1930s, they decided to mix Kentucky bourbon with chocolate and pecans, inventing the world’s first "Bourbon Ball." You can still visit their factory on Second Street and see them making the candy by hand.
Beyond the History: Life in a Small Capital
Frankfort has a weird, cool vibe. It’s a mix of suit-and-tie government officials and college students from Kentucky State University. Because it's so central—about 50 miles from Louisville and 25 from Lexington—it’s the perfect home base for exploring the state.
If you’re the outdoorsy type, Cove Spring Park is right in the city. It has waterfalls and about seven miles of trails that make you forget you're anywhere near a "metropolis." Or you can head to Josephine Sculpture Park, which is essentially a giant 30-acre field filled with massive, weird, and beautiful art installations.
Real Talk: Frankfort isn't a city that's going to overwhelm you with neon lights or 24/7 nightlife. It’s a place that moves at the speed of the river.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Tour the Capitol early: The guided tours of the "New" Capitol are free, but they fill up. The rotunda is stunning, especially the statues of famous Kentuckians like Abraham Lincoln.
- Don't skip the Old Capitol: It’s a museum now, and it’s where the "real" history (and the assassination) happened.
- Book Buffalo Trace in advance: If you want a distillery tour, you usually need to book weeks (or months) ahead. If you can't get a tour, you can still visit the gift shop and walk the grounds for free.
- Eat at the local spots: Skip the chains and hit up the restaurants in the historic downtown area near St. Clair Street. The architecture there is mostly from the late 1800s and feels very "Old World."
If you’re planning a trip through the Bluegrass, don’t just drive past the Frankfort exit. Stop for a bourbon ball, stand where a governor was shot, and take in the view of the river. It might be a small town, but it's got a big personality.
Start by checking the official Kentucky State Capitol website for the latest tour hours, then map out a route that includes a stop at the Frankfort Cemetery for that iconic overlook view.